330 GTC Annual Running Cost

Boxer · 12-02-2008, 08:04 AM

One Ferrari that I have always wanted to own is a 330 GTC. Think it is one of the most elegant cars ever produced by Maranello. One of the keyreasons I have never gone ahead with purchasing one is fear of running and continuous restoration costs. What should one expect ?

212Export · 12-02-2008, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boxer

One Ferrari that I have always wanted to own is a 330 GTC. Think it is one of the most elegant cars ever produced by Maranello. One of the keyreasons I have never gone ahead with purchasing one is fear of running and continuous restoration costs. What should one expect ?

As you mentioned the 330 GTC is a elegent car which normally is driven just that way. With wonderful torque all around, its not driven like a "peaky" 250 GT. Therefore taken care appropriately, costs normally are lower than expected. Spare parts are easier to get than for the older 250 GT's. Besides the difference in technical jump between 250's and the 330 is quite huge. For the 2 years of my ownership I spend Euro 3'000 for 14'000km (the additional investments have been for visual upgrade, detailling work interior wise etc.). The 330 GTC is still a (my) favorite classic from the sixties, except for the 275 GTB which is another league. The 330 GTC is build very robust. I only can urge anybody going for that 4 litre elegant torque approach to buy the best 330 GTC out there and enjoy....!

Boxer · 12-02-2008, 09:28 PM

Sounds like you were very fond of your 330 GTC. Is rust a major concern and are the electrics reliable or should you replace the wiring loom?

212Export · 12-02-2008, 10:08 PM

Rust in my case was never a problem (luckily). I drove the care sparsely also in the wintertime and washed it well after a use from December to March to get the salt away.

Regarding the electrics I had once an issue with the allignement of the ignition. The problem was only moister in the distribution cap. (if that is the correct english word for it)

Boxer · 12-03-2008, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 212Export

Rust in my case was never a problem (luckily). I drove the care sparsely also in the wintertime and washed it well after a use from December to March to get the salt away.

Regarding the electrics I had once an issue with the allignement of the ignition. The problem was only moister in the distribution cap. (if that is the correct english word for it)

Thanks. Sounds like it was quite a reliable and useable Vintage GT.

JazzyO · 12-26-2009, 07:25 PM

After 6,000kms of enjoying #9367 this summer, what are my experiences so far?

Well the car has been very reliable, much more so than my 365BB. The car was very cared for before I got it, and in long-term ownership of the person who had it restored in 1988 - 1992. The restoration costs in those days ran to over €150k, quite impressive. The only problem I've had was that she broke down during the Goodwood Revival trip, running out of battery juice. This was strange since the battery was checked before setting off, so I was worried that the alternator was broken. The battery was replaced by the AA and since then she's been fine.

So far I've had very expenses, the main one being a proper cleaning job before being stored for winter. This is something the previous owner used to do, and I can recommend it. I've had the car at Auto Classica Rubbio where they've taken all fittings of the car and cleaned and waxed it thoroughly. The results were absolutely breathtaking. €1,500 well spent, in my opinion. My car is a perfect testament that keeping on top of it is key - the restoration is 20 years old but still looks absolutely magnificent, and it is due to the fact that the previous owner kept it meticulously clean and on the button.

Some things still need to be done to the car - my specialist feels she can pick up from cam a little better, so we'll have a look at that. She also started smoking a little - personally I think it is from the oil I had to put in during the Goodwood Revival trip. The correct engine oil is very important in these cars, the previous owner ALWAYS used Motul 20W/60 and that certainly seemed to be helping the engine. It's not easy to find, and at €50 per 2L drum it's like gold dust! But very worthwhile the trouble.

A mechanic reported to me that mine was NOT the best GTC he had driven, which surprised me. Apparently there's another GTC in Holland that has better feel in the steering rack. Obviously, I can't tolerate such remarks and I've asked my specialist to have a look and see if that mechanic's statement makes any sense. If so, it will be rectified, but I'd be surprised if there are big improvements - car feels fine to me.

I'll report on any future issues and costs. For the moment, though, I feel she's perfectly ready for the Mille Miglia Tribute in May 2010 and I really hope I'll be able to participate. Driving her across the Alps again and then from Brescia to Rome and back will be a memorable experience.

Onno

Jimmy Chen Shiba DDS · 12-26-2009, 08:30 PM

Thanx for the update, Onno. My diagnosis of you, a definite case of having a severe symptom of having a crush ! That mechanic better watch his words, it is like saying your girl is not the prettiest ! What nerve ! Agree with the use of Motul oil. My girls get the same "lubricant oil" to keep them happy. Just had the Dino for the biannual reregistration and the oil used was Motul 300V 15W-50. Costly, but much more stable and hold up much better to usage and time degeneration.
w/ smiles Jimmy

212Export · 12-26-2009, 11:18 PM

Dear Onno, be assured you have a fantastic 330 GTC. I've driven probably 8 different GTC's including my own but yours was the very best on "hanging on the cams". Honestly!
Personally, I have decided many years ago to let the carburators and ignition synchronize once every year. The "thrill" of driving a classic Ferrari for me is at least 50% dependent on a perfect synchronization. It's worthwhile and helps save those precious mechanical parts.

212Export · 12-26-2009, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimmy Chen Shiba DDS

Thanx for the update, Onno. My diagnosis of you, a definite case of having a severe symptom of having a crush ! That mechanic better watch his words, it is like saying your girl is not the prettiest ! What nerve ! Agree with the use of Motul oil. My girls get the same "lubricant oil" to keep them happy. Just had the Dino for the biannual reregistration and the oil used was Motul 300V 15W-50. Costly, but much more stable and hold up much better to usage and time degeneration.
w/ smiles Jimmy

Jimmy. I/they use 10W-60 on my Daytona. I personally have no idea what the differences are. Would you suggest me to use also 15W-50 instead?

Jimmy Chen Shiba DDS · 12-26-2009, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 212Export

Jimmy. I/they use 10W-60 on my Daytona. I personally have no idea what the differences are. Would you suggest me to use also 15W-50 instead?

Hello Rolf: The shop that I have been associated with knows the trade well and love cars too. I am no expert in such things, but I trust their decisions and they have been using the mentioned Motul because they believe it is one of the best around. Few weeks ago, I had my Daytona go thru the reregistration red tape also (Dino was done this week), and used the same oil. He told me that this particular kind is for race use and very stable for much longer period without undergoing decomposition. He said that with this oil, you don't have to change for a year and up to a year and a half ! They do not deteriorate as the other brands.
As for the selection of viscosity, you can ask your shop to confirm, but my guess is that it is due to the differences in severity of winter between the two countries. Here in Tokyo, winter temperatures range an average between the ranges of 10 and 0 degrees C. I suspect that it gets colder in Swiss ? Also, the altitude differences may be a factor too. I am sure your mechanic is just as competent and knows what he is doing.
Anyway, it has been Motul all the way. Hope you are doing well. Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones. w/ smiles Jimmy

IPF · 12-27-2009, 12:09 AM

You sure you're not an expert, Jimmy?

Your ambient temperature hypothesis sounds about right to me
(then again: I'm not an expert myself).

For reference: here's what experts have to say on the topic (a full 177 pages...

)

Irvin

Jimmy Chen Shiba DDS · 12-27-2009, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IPF

You sure you're not an expert, Jimmy?

Your ambient temperature hypothesis sounds about right to me
(then again: I'm not an expert myself).

For reference: here's what experts have to say on the topic (a full 177 pages...

)

Irvin

I am stupid, IPF. I trust people. I do get burnt now and then. That is an impressive reference. Thanx. w/ smiles Jimmy

212Export · 12-30-2009, 06:03 AM

Many thanks to both of you. Also to you and your loved ones all the best in 2010.

IPF · 12-30-2009, 02:43 PM

Thank you, and may you enjoy a fabulous 2010 yourselve(s). It's nigh...

Irvin

12-02-2008, 08:04 AM	#1
Boxer Owner Elite Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: UK Ferrari Life Posts: 12,792	330 GTC Annual Running Cost One Ferrari that I have always wanted to own is a 330 GTC. Think it is one of the most elegant cars ever produced by Maranello. One of the keyreasons I have never gone ahead with purchasing one is fear of running and continuous restoration costs. What should one expect ? Boxer Current: F40, F50, 612, 430 Scuderia Past: 360 Modena, 360 Challenge, 550, 575, 365BB, 512BB, 456 GT, F355 GTS, 365 GTB/4 Daytona, 308 GTB

12-02-2008, 09:28 PM	#3
Boxer Owner Elite Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: UK Ferrari Life Posts: 12,792	Sounds like you were very fond of your 330 GTC. Is rust a major concern and are the electrics reliable or should you replace the wiring loom? Boxer Current: F40, F50, 612, 430 Scuderia Past: 360 Modena, 360 Challenge, 550, 575, 365BB, 512BB, 456 GT, F355 GTS, 365 GTB/4 Daytona, 308 GTB

12-30-2009, 02:43 PM	#14
IPF Owner Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: The Netherlands Ferrari Life Posts: 290	Thank you, and may you enjoy a fabulous 2010 yourselve(s). It's nigh... Irvin A horse is a horse, of course, of course, and no one can talk to a horse of course. That is, of course, unless the horse is the famous Mister F.

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12-02-2008, 10:08 PM	#4
212Export Owner Elite Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Europe Ferrari Life Posts: 2,288	Rust in my case was never a problem (luckily). I drove the care sparsely also in the wintertime and washed it well after a use from December to March to get the salt away. Regarding the electrics I had once an issue with the allignement of the ignition. The problem was only moister in the distribution cap. (if that is the correct english word for it)

12-26-2009, 07:25 PM	#6
JazzyO Owner Elite Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Jersey, Channel Islands Ferrari Life Posts: 4,289	After 6,000kms of enjoying #9367 this summer, what are my experiences so far? Well the car has been very reliable, much more so than my 365BB. The car was very cared for before I got it, and in long-term ownership of the person who had it restored in 1988 - 1992. The restoration costs in those days ran to over €150k, quite impressive. The only problem I've had was that she broke down during the Goodwood Revival trip, running out of battery juice. This was strange since the battery was checked before setting off, so I was worried that the alternator was broken. The battery was replaced by the AA and since then she's been fine. So far I've had very expenses, the main one being a proper cleaning job before being stored for winter. This is something the previous owner used to do, and I can recommend it. I've had the car at Auto Classica Rubbio where they've taken all fittings of the car and cleaned and waxed it thoroughly. The results were absolutely breathtaking. €1,500 well spent, in my opinion. My car is a perfect testament that keeping on top of it is key - the restoration is 20 years old but still looks absolutely magnificent, and it is due to the fact that the previous owner kept it meticulously clean and on the button. Some things still need to be done to the car - my specialist feels she can pick up from cam a little better, so we'll have a look at that. She also started smoking a little - personally I think it is from the oil I had to put in during the Goodwood Revival trip. The correct engine oil is very important in these cars, the previous owner ALWAYS used Motul 20W/60 and that certainly seemed to be helping the engine. It's not easy to find, and at €50 per 2L drum it's like gold dust! But very worthwhile the trouble. A mechanic reported to me that mine was NOT the best GTC he had driven, which surprised me. Apparently there's another GTC in Holland that has better feel in the steering rack. Obviously, I can't tolerate such remarks and I've asked my specialist to have a look and see if that mechanic's statement makes any sense. If so, it will be rectified, but I'd be surprised if there are big improvements - car feels fine to me. I'll report on any future issues and costs. For the moment, though, I feel she's perfectly ready for the Mille Miglia Tribute in May 2010 and I really hope I'll be able to participate. Driving her across the Alps again and then from Brescia to Rome and back will be a memorable experience. Onno

12-26-2009, 08:30 PM	#7
Jimmy Chen Shiba DDS Owner Elite Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Yokohama & Tokyo, Japan Ferrari Life Posts: 3,550 Name: Jimmy Chen Shiba	Thanx for the update, Onno. My diagnosis of you, a definite case of having a severe symptom of having a crush ! That mechanic better watch his words, it is like saying your girl is not the prettiest ! What nerve ! Agree with the use of Motul oil. My girls get the same "lubricant oil" to keep them happy. Just had the Dino for the biannual reregistration and the oil used was Motul 300V 15W-50. Costly, but much more stable and hold up much better to usage and time degeneration. w/ smiles Jimmy

12-26-2009, 11:18 PM	#8
212Export Owner Elite Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Europe Ferrari Life Posts: 2,288	Dear Onno, be assured you have a fantastic 330 GTC. I've driven probably 8 different GTC's including my own but yours was the very best on "hanging on the cams". Honestly! Personally, I have decided many years ago to let the carburators and ignition synchronize once every year. The "thrill" of driving a classic Ferrari for me is at least 50% dependent on a perfect synchronization. It's worthwhile and helps save those precious mechanical parts.

12-30-2009, 06:03 AM	#13
212Export Owner Elite Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Europe Ferrari Life Posts: 2,288	Many thanks to both of you. Also to you and your loved ones all the best in 2010.